Dr Roza Sage Member for Blue Mountains, Sergio Rosato Principal at St Thomas Aquinas Primary, Paul Ryan Principal at St Columba's College, Education Minister Adrian Piccoli MP and St Columba's students James Freeman and Jordan Hallam
Education Minister Adrian Piccoli MP and Member for Blue Mountains Dr Roza Sage paid a special visit to students from St Thomas Aquinas Primary and St Columba’s College in Springwood.
On Tuesday 11 March, Minister Piccoli met with students who were directly affected by the bushfires of October 2013.
Students spoke openly and movingly of how their lives have changed since their home-life and community were devastated by the fires. Several students acknowledged how much closer the experience has brought them as families and as a community. Year 11 St Columbus student James gave special thanks for his teachers who ‘were always there for him’.
Minister Piccoli said he was privileged to hear their stories and hoped, like the grass and trees were growing again, that they were beginning to move on with help from each other.
Dr Sage reassured students that grieving was a normal part of life sharing her own story and inspiring students with hope for the future.
Following the meeting, Minister Piccoli and Dr Sage joined students and teachers for a morning tea.
Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese
www.parra.catholic.edu.au
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04 Nov 2025
From Facebook
On Friday, eight Year 9 students attended Mass at St Patrick’s Cathedral in Parramatta where they received an award for their service throughout the year as Special Religious Education Catechists in two of our local public primary schools, Ellison Public School and Winmalee Public School. Their commitment to this important ministry has been evident throughout the year. Every week they turned up with enthusiasm and interest to share the Gospel in Scripture classes. They have been exceptional role models and are much loved by the primary school students. Mrs Anne Ellis has driven this program for many, many years. The students’ humble work is a testament to her tireless leadership and service. Thank you to St Thomas Aquinas Parish, Springwood, for the support it has provided. Congratulations to all involved in this vital ministry!
03 Nov 2025
From Facebook
👮♂️🤝🎓 Great things happen when community comes together! Today, Blue Mountains PAC, NSW Police Force Youth Command & Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese joined forces at a productive forum hosted by St Columba's College. 💬✨ Following our September Principal's Forum, this is another step in building strong partnerships for safer, more connected communities. 💙
Latest News More news
04 Nov 2025
From Facebook
On Friday, eight Year 9 students attended Mass at St Patrick’s Cathedral in Parramatta where they received an award for their service throughout the year as Special Religious Education Catechists in two of our local public primary schools, Ellison Public School and Winmalee Public School. Their commitment to this important ministry has been evident throughout the year. Every week they turned up with enthusiasm and interest to share the Gospel in Scripture classes. They have been exceptional role models and are much loved by the primary school students. Mrs Anne Ellis has driven this program for many, many years. The students’ humble work is a testament to her tireless leadership and service. Thank you to St Thomas Aquinas Parish, Springwood, for the support it has provided. Congratulations to all involved in this vital ministry!
03 Nov 2025
From Facebook
👮♂️🤝🎓 Great things happen when community comes together! Today, Blue Mountains PAC, NSW Police Force Youth Command & Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese joined forces at a productive forum hosted by St Columba's College. 💬✨ Following our September Principal's Forum, this is another step in building strong partnerships for safer, more connected communities. 💙
03 Nov 2025
From Facebook
⭐TEACHER APPRECIATION DAY ⭐ To thank our teachers for their incredible care, enthusiasm, and commitment, the student leaders and Hospitality team at St Columba’s organised a magnificent morning tea in Columba Café to celebrate Teacher Appreciation Day on Friday 31 October. We are truly grateful for all the dedicated and hard working staff at the College.
31 Oct 2025
From Facebook
Yesterday St Columba’s had a team of Year 8 students compete in the WeSSSTA Geography Competition. There was some fierce competition and our team came 6th out of 24 teams - only 2 points from the top 4 teams!
25 Oct 2025
From Facebook
The College has had some excellent results at the Upper Hunter Beef Bonanza! Our lightweight steer placed 5th in his class and our midweight steer placed 4th in his class, and we still have paraders classes to come on Sunday. Congratulations to the students, who have been working hard and have done a great job presenting the College's animals, and an enormous thank you to the staff for all their work and support.
21 Oct 2025
From Facebook
🏆 Mountain Majik Futsal Gala Day Champions! ⚽ St Columba's won championship titles in every age group at the Mountain Majik Futsal Gala Day in Katoomba on Monday. It was an incredible clean sweep for the College, with teams from Years 7, 8 and 9 dominating the competition and displaying outstanding sportsmanship and teamwork both on and off the court. The following teams won their grand final games to become Champions: ⚽ Year 7 Boys Team – Champions of the Year 7 Boys Pool. ⚽ Mixed Years 7 Team – Champions of the Mixed Years 7, 8 and 9 Pool. ⚽ Year 8 Boys Team – Futsal Champions for the Year 8 Boys Pool. ⚽ Year 9 Boys Team – Champions for the Year 9 Boys Pool after an exciting penalty shootout victory! ⚽ Year 9 Girls Team – Undefeated Champions of the Year 7/8/9 Girls Pool. Special congratulations to Archer (Y7) and Isla (Y7) who were awarded MVPs of the tournament and well done to all players for their fantastic effort, enthusiasm, and success throughout the day. 💪🎉
16 Oct 2025
From Facebook
As our Year 12 students begin their HSC examinations today, they have the support and encouragement of the entire St Columba's community. We are tremendously proud of their hard work, dedication, and resilience. Over the coming weeks we hold these students, as well as the families who love and care for them, in our hearts and prayers.
15 Oct 2025
From Facebook
Celebrating Our NAIDOC Cup Representatives! Over the holidays, Year 7 student Hunter and Year 8 student Henry proudly represented Football NSW in the NAIDOC Cup. We’re incredibly proud of their commitment, enthusiasm, and willingness to get involved - a true reflection of the school spirit and values we celebrate every day. Well done, Hunter and Henry! Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese
14 Oct 2025
From Facebook
We are so proud of Year 10 student and swimming superstar, Finn, who brought home multiple medals, and two national champion titles, from the New Zealand National Swimming Championships. Over an exhausting four days, Finn won two gold medals (1500m free 15 years, 400m free 15 years), one silver (800m free 15 years), and one bronze (200m free 15 years). What a stellar achievement!
11 Oct 2025
From Facebook
We’re so happy to see familiar faces on the Blue Mountains Youth Council and would encourage any of our students who are interested to have a go and apply! Blue Mountains City Council
09 Oct 2025
From Facebook
A massive congratulations to Year 12 student, Lani Gleeson, who has been selected for the Australian U22 Women's Tumbling team for the FIG World Age Gymnastics Championships to be held in Spain in November! We know so much hard work and dedication has gone into your training over the years Lani and we are sending all of our best wishes with you as you travel to Spain next month. Good luck!! Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese Gymnastics Australia
09 Oct 2025
From Facebook
Congratulations to Helena Sypka (Year 9) whose mixed media artwork, 'Tides', is currently on exhibition at Lewers Penrith Regional Art Gallery. The exhibition 'Organised Chaos' includes the works of young artists who were a part of the Penrith Open Studio Program. You can see Helena's work at Lewers Penrith Regional Gallery until 9 November. Learn more about the Penrith Open Studio Program here: https://www.penrithregionalgallery.com.au/whats-on/organised-chaos-penrith-open-studio/ Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese Penrith Regional Gallery, Home of The Lewers Bequest